The efficacy of oregano (Origanum Vulgare), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) and

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis miller) plant as mosquito repellant

A Research Paper presented to the

School of STEM
ACLC College San Pablo

In partial fulfillment
Of the requirements for the subject of
Practical Research

Full Name of the Members

Parahan, Kisha Lane P.

Echano, Carlo M.

`Saliva, Bren B.

Mendoza, Juros Lorenz E.

Manila, Rain Francis O.

Nacion, Justine S.

Delos Santos, Lexter C.

Mr. Nestor Research Adviser

Kevin B. Dungo
 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

HYPOTHESES

THEORETICAL/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

DEFINITION OF TERMS
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

LOCAL

LITERATURE

STUDIES

FOREIGN

LITERATURE

STUDIES
 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH DESIGN

SUBJECT/RESPONDENTS OF THE STUDY

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

RESEARCH PROCEDURE

STATISTICAL TREATMENT OF DATA

 Chapter I

Introduction
Oregano (origanum vulgare), lemongrass (cymbopogon), and aloe vera (aloe
barbadensis miller) are commonly found in our local communities that hides a
surprising impact that exudes one of fatal causing insects. It has been years for the
fight against dengue and other mosquito related cases.

Background of the study

The Philippines is an agricultural-based country and most of its products are
garnered from planting. In relation to this, it is concluded that the phenolic and
flavonoids extract of the leaves of the Oregano (origanum vulgare), lemongrass
(cymbopogon), and aloe vera (aloe barbadensis miller), are a potential candidate
for control of mosquitoes.
Flavonoids and the other phenolic compounds are commonly known as plant
secondary metabolites that hold an aromatic ring bearing at least one hydroxyl
group. More than 8000 phenolic compounds as naturally occurring substances
from plants have been reported. It is very interesting to note that half of these
phenolic compounds are flavonoids presenting as aglycone, glycosides and
methylated derivatives. These phytochemical substances are presented in
nutrients and herbal medicines. Since a few decades ago, the research studies
focusing on flavonoids and the other phenolic compounds from medicinal plant
species have increased considerably, because of their versatile benefits for human
health. Most of the recent reviews focused on one precise aspect of flavonoids or
phenolics action on human health. (Tungmunnithum, et al., 2018).
Flavonoids (FL) and phenolic acids (PA) are the main types of phenolic compounds
present in oregano( Mukhopadhyay S, et al., 2007). Oregano FL and PA have been
studied due to their therapeutic potential, which has been partly attributed to
their antioxidant properties.

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), also known as "Tanglad" in the Philippines, is

a commercially viable plant grown primarily for the fragrance it produces. Tanglad
is a permanent or perennial plant, and its benefits extend beyond its fragrance.
Tanglad's utility is primarily found in its leaves, from which all of its benefits are
derived. The main part of this plant that can be seen is its leaves, which allows
easy access to the main part that is required to enjoy the health benefits of
tanglad. It makes up the majority of what is visible above ground, as the leaves
can grow up to one meter in length and are flat in shape.

It contains a significant amount of flavonoids, essential oils, phenolic compounds,

and other phytochemical constituents that have pharmacological properties such
as anti-obesity, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-nociceptive, anti-oxidants, anti-
diarrheal, and anti-inflammatory properties that may improve health.

Aloe vera, which is botanically known as Aloe barbadensis Miller. Aloe is a

succulent plant that can grow to a height of 30 to 40 centimeters with leaves
sprouting from the ground.

It is thick and fleshy, with little prickly protrusions adorning the leaves. The leaves
can grow between 20 to 50 centimeters long, 5 to 8 centimeters wide. It is light
green with white patches and spiny-toothed margins.
Aloe contains antioxidants, which may increase the shelf-life and nutritional value
of food; therefore, it is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food
industry. An antioxidant activity was shown for leaf’s skin, flowers and gel of aloe.
In this work the future of A. vera as effective antioxidants is primarily discussed
and expected trends are summarized. Furthermore, the bioactive components
and the health-promoting effects of A. vera are investigated. (Plant Foods Hum
Nutr., 2019).

With the above characteristics of oregano (Origanum vulgare), lemongrass,

(Cymbopogon) and aloe vera, (Aloe barbadensis miller) it is therefore the aim of
the study to determine the ability of their leaves containing flavonoids and
phenolic compounds in enhancing their efficacy as a mosquito repellants.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the ability of the leaves of oregano (Origanum
vulgare), lemongrass (Cymbopogon), and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
containing flavonoids and phenolic compounds in enhancing their efficacy as a
mosquito repellants. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. Which of the following will be the most effective as a mosquito repellant?

1.1 50 ml of extract oregano

1.2 50 ml of extract lemongrass

1.3 50 ml of extract aloe vera

2. How long will it take for the extracted made of oregano, lemongrass, and aloe
vera to take effect?

Theoretical Framework

Theory

The research by Pam Euza A. Bayon et al. in 2023, titled "Larvicidal Activity of
Tawa-tawa (Euphorbia hirta) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Ethanolic Leaf
Extracts against Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti)," serves as a valuable
cornerstone in the theoretical framework of our study. This study explored the
potential insecticidal properties of Tawa-tawa and oregano extracts in reducing
mosquito larvae. It involved the preparation of ethanolic extracts from dried
leaves using the maceration method. These extracts exhibited significant larvicidal
activity against Yellow Fever mosquitoes.

This research finding holds significance in the context of our study, as it highlights
the feasibility of natural alternatives to chemical insecticides. The adverse
environmental and health effects associated with chemical pesticides underscore
the importance of exploring eco-friendly alternatives. The success of Tawa-tawa
and oregano extracts in this regard provides a solid basis for our investigation into
sustainable and health-conscious pest control methods. Therefore, this study by
Bayon et al. informs our research's theoretical framework by emphasizing the
potential for eco-friendly and safe larvicides.
 Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

- the subject plant are
Oregano( Origanum
- Preparation of the
vulgare) Lemongrass - The efficacy of
organic mosquito
(Cymbopogon) and oregano( Origanum
repellant from extracted
Aloe Vera (Aloe vulgare) Lemongrass
leaves of
Barbadensis miller) (Cymbopogon) and
Oregano( Origanum
Aloe Vera (Aloe
- Ethanol vulgare) Lemongrass
Barbadensis miller)
(Cymbopogon) and Aloe
- Mosquitoes plant as mosquito
Vera (Aloe Barbadensis
repellant
miller).

- Collect 1 kg of oregano,
lemongrass, and aloe vera
leaves.

- Dry in a shade at
temperature 27°C-37°C in
7 to 10 days.

- Grind the dried leaves

using electric blender.

- 250 g of leaves per plant

will be mix with 750 ml of
the solvent, specifically
95% of ethanol.

Filter it in a funnel.
Hypothesis
Alternative
The extracted leaves from aloe vera was also as efficient as the extracted leaves
from oregano and lemongrass.
Null
The extracted leaves from aloe vera was not effective as the extracted leaves from
oregano and lemongrass.

Scope and limitation

This study focuses on investigating the effectiveness of oregano, lemongrass, and

aloe Vera as a natural mosquito repellent.This will explore the potential of these
plants to be used as an alternative to chemical-based repellents. It provide a safer
and more environmentally friendly approach to mosquito control.

The limitation of the study may include the specific species of mosquitoes tested.
The concentration of the plant extracts may affect their efficacy and may not
affect all type of mosquito.

Another limitation may be the duration of repellency. The study may not apply to
the longevity of the plant repellent's properties. The researcher will determine
how long the repellency lasts.

Furthermore, the research may not consider other factors thay influence
mosquito attraction, such as humidity and temperature. While the study
investigates the plant repellent's properties, it may not take into account other
factors that may affect the overall efficacy.

The geographical location and climate may also affect the result. The study
findings may only be applicable to specific seasons or places. The effectiveness of
the plants as repellent may vary depends on the different types of environment.

significance of the study

This research has a potential to provide a natural, safe, and sustainable way to
mitigate the harmful effects of mosquitoes on human health.

This plant like oregano, lemongrass, and aloe vera have flavonoids and phenolic
compounds that provide high potential mosquito larvicides with less
environmental risk. They also interfere in the process of molting and reproduction
of mosquitoes.

These plants will protect us from mosquito bites and may even lower the risk of
the disease that mosquitoes bring to communities.
The result of this study will benefits the following:

Students: This study will provide them information about the three medicinal
plants which are the Oregano( Origanum vulgare) Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) and
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis miller) and its beneficial effects from previous
studies and add some details for them to use as a guide for future research
projects.
Farmers: This study will present them facts about the organic source of mosquito
repellant that will promote safety and knowledge on them compared to
commercial mosquito repellant that can bring harmful effects and more
expensive than the organic one.

Local Government: This study will serve as an eye-opener for them. This will give
them the idea to encourage their Barangay. Residents especially to those who
belong on the areas near the mosquitoes' breeding sites. They can use the organic
mosquito repellant that are environmentally friendly that are low-cost but you
can guarantee its safety.

Future Researchers:
This study will serve as their basis ground work in conducting future research
topics. This can cultivate their interest about Oregano( Origanum vulgare)
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) and Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis miller) plant as
mosquito repellant and make further research on the potential of the said
medicinal plants as this study will give them enough evidence on different uses of
the said plants.

Definition of Terms
Antioxidant: substance that, when present at low concentration compared with those of
an oxidizable substrate, significantly delays or prevents oxidation of that substrate.

Aromatic: generally, a fragrant and pleasant odor; in chemistry, a compound containing

at least one ring-type group in its molecule; solvents containing benzene or its
derivatives.

Compound: chemical material of more than one element combined into a substance
having its own properties, differing from those of its constituents (cf. mixture or
formulation of ingredients that retain different properties).

Efficacy: capacity to produce an effect (cf. effectiveness).

Extraction: as the term is used pharmaceutically, involves the separation of medicinally

active portions of plant tissues from the inactive or inert components by using selective

solvents in standard extraction procedures. The products so obtained from plants are
relatively impure liquids, semisolids or powders intended only for oral or external use.

Flavonoids: represent a class of polyphenolic compounds known as secondary

metabolites that can function as a host plant defense against attacks from plant
pathogens and insect pests.

Phytochemical: screening is another name for this process. These extracts are made
from plant samples rich in secondary metabolites such as the leaves and stems, roots,
and bark of the plants studied. The secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenes,
and flavonoids, are then examined in the plant extracts.

Repellant, Repellent: something that causes insects to make oriented movements away
from its source. Associated terms: to repel; repellency, the quality of repel-ling; repeller
device for repelling (invalid for electronic so-called mosquito repellers or buzzers);
repulsion the act of repelling or the state of being repelled; and repulsive serving to
repel.

Solvent: liquid in which solute dissolves to form solution.

 CHAPTER II

Related Literature and Studies

This chapter presents the conceptual and research literature related to the
present study. Through this the different concepts, ideas and opinions that the
researchers have presented are enriched and classified.

Foreign Literature
International journal mosquito research (2018) explain that many chemicals have
been used for the purpose of mosquito repellency, however they are harmful for
human being as well. Using plant based repellents is much more safe but the
effectiveness may less because of the concentration of the plant based that will
use as a repellent. This study will use the extract of the oregano, lemongrass and
and will tell which is most efficient to use.

Oregano extract is good to use as antiseptics and repellents. Certain active

compound like carvacrol, thymol and Alpha-tarpinene have been shown to be
effective at keeping mosquitoes away (Mona sharififar et al, 2018).

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), is a tropical plant frequently utilized in herbal

medication, the components of lemongrass extracts are citral has been
demonstrated to keep mosquitoes away efficiently. There has been
 research done in Thailand discovered that a lotion with 15% lemongrass oil
offered total protection (Annu Yadav & Newton Paul, 2023).

aloe vera is a natural substance that used for health benefits. It has been
demonstrated that the substance acemanman which is present in aloe vera
gel is harmful to mosquitoes. So aloe vera gel can be also used to repel
mosquito and relieve insect bites (Jason Tan, 2022).

Local Literature
Oregano has been studied as a potential mosquito repellent in several local
literature sources. One study found that the essential oil of oregano repelled
100% of Amblyomma americanum ticks at a certain concentration [1]. However,
another study concluded that oregano and lemongrass larvicide solution was not
effective in killing mosquito larvae [2]. Additionally, research has shown that
oregano oil and its major compound carvacrol have sublethal effects on Aedes
albopictus mosquitoes, inhibiting their growth and development.
Another certain benefit of making lemongrass as an insect repellent is its
financial benefit, it is said that some bottle of lemongrass insect repellent costs
Php 40.00 it is highly affordable than the other chemical insect repellent that can
be brought in the market (Fernandez, 2013).

Aloe vera has been studied as a natural mosquito repellent in several local
literature sources. One study found that a mosquito-repellent aloe water,
prepared from aloe extracting solutions, neroli oil, menthol, borneol,
honeysuckle, wild chrysanthemum flowers, distilled water, and lemon oil, was
effective in repelling mosquitoes and suitable for mass production [1]. Another
study focused on a plant-source insect-repellent agent prepared from aloe vera,
which showed a significant reduction in crop insect attacks and had the advantage
of being a natural and safe alternative to chemical pesticides.

Foreign Studies
According to the study of Karina Caballero-Gallardo et al. titled Repellency and
toxicity of essential oils from Cymbopogon martinii, Cymbopogon flexuosus and
Lippia origanoides cultivated in Colombia against Tribolium castaneum, A large
number of plant essential oils have been used against diverse insect pests. Unlike
conventional pesticides, usually these natural products present less risk to
humans and the environment. This study was conducted to determine the
repellent activity and toxicity of the essential oils isolated from Cymbopogon
martinii “palmarosa”, Cymbopogon flexuosus “lemongrass”, and Lippia
origanoides “wild oregano” against Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera:
Tenebrionidae), using the area preference and contact toxicity on filter papers
methods, respectively. The repellent action of the oils decreased in the order
Cymbopogon martinii > C. flexuosus z L. origanoides. All oils were more effective
as repellents than the commercial product IR3535. Tested oils also depicted low
toxicity, showing less than 20% lethality at maximum tested concentration (1.2
mL/cm2) and exposure period (72 h). These results suggest that the essential oils
evaluated in this study may be useful in repellent formulations against T.
castaneum.

According to the study of Josphat C. Matasyoh et al. titled Aloe plant extracts as
alternative larvicides for mosquito control, Extracts from plants in the genus Aloe
(Aloeaceae) have been widely used by pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Aloe species have long been known as medicinal plants (Cheney, 1970) and Aloe
vera species is most widely used. The compositions of Aloe leaf exu-dates have
been extensively investigated (Reynolds, 1985). The compounds that have been
identified can generally be classified into two main groups, namely, chromones
and anthraquinones or specifically anthrones. Interest in the control of Anopheles
gambie lies in the fact that it acts as a vector of malaria, which is a serious public
health problem in Africa and many developing countries. Although some diseases
such as yellow fever have been reasonably brought under control by vaccination,
no effective vaccine is available for malaria. Therefore, the only efficacious
approach of minimizing the incidence of this disease is to eradicate and control
mosquito vectors mainly by application of insecticides to larval habitats. The
plant-derived natural products as larvicides have the advantage of being harmless
to beneficial non-target organisms and environment when compared to synthetic
ones (Pitasawat et al., 2007). The synthetic insecticides do not only affect non-
target organisms but also constantly increase resistance to the insecticides by the
vector (Wattal et al., 1981). In recent years, the emphasis to control the mosquito
populations has shifted steadily from the use conventional chemicals towards
more specific and environmentally friendly materials, which are generally of
botanical origin. For this purpose, a lot of phytochemicals extracted from various
plant species have been tested for their larvicidal and repellent actions against
mosquitoes (Ciccia et al., 2000; Ansari and Razdan, 2000). One of the strategies of
the WHO in combating tropical diseases is to destroy their vectors or
intermediate hosts. Malaria is a parasitic disease from which more than 300
million people suffer yearly throughout the world. It is one of the main causes of
infant and young child mortality (WHO, 1995). As part of our continued search for
the biodiversity resource available in Kenya for natural products with utilisable
bioactivity, we have assayed larvicidal activity towards A. gambie of extracts from
three Aloe species growing in Kenya, namely Aloe turkanensis, Aloe ngongensis
and Aloe fibrosa.

Local Studies
According to the study of Airen E. Marpiga et al. in 2023, titled Oregano
(Plectranthus amboinicus) and Lemongrass (Cybopogon) as Primary Ingredients
for Liquid Mosquito (Culicidae) Larvicide, Mosquito-Borne diseases or diseases
that spread from host to host are a big problem around the world. This study
intends to find out if processed Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) and
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) natural extract can be used as an inexpensive and
environmentally friendly mosquito larvicidal solution. Based in some studies
Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus), and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) contains
natural chemical that can kill larvae in their early stage. The researchers used two
(2) set-ups with four (4) containers including one (1) control group which will be
the basis of the experiment, all the containers are containing twenty (20) live
mosquito larvae from the Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant
Pathology (IWEP) of University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna. The
researchers added different concentrations and ratios of the solution in each
container in this experiment. As the experiment conducted, the results show that
less than fifty percent (50%) of the specimen was eliminated in the whole set-up,
The experiment revealed that Oregano and Lemongrass larvicide solution is not
enough to reach what this study aims for. Also, experiment results indicate that
Oregano and Lemongrass solution is not enough to kill the larvae of mosquitoes.
The researchers conclude that the Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus), and
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) larvicide solution is not effective as an alternative
mosquito (Culicidae) larvicide solution.
 CHAPTER III

Research Design
This study is quantitative research that will use an experimental research design
in which the study is carried out utilizing a scientific approach. The experimental
plants, Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) and Aloe Vera
(Aloe Barbadensis miller) undergoes leaves extraction to enhance its potential as
organic mosquito repellant because of its high content of source of bioactive
phytochemicals that are safe and biodegradable into non-toxic by-products. In
this study, the researchers will use the experimental-comparative Methods of
Research. The data that will be taken from the sample will be compared,
analyzed, and interpreted. The purpose of this study is to figure out which plant is
the most efficient to use. This will acknowledge the potential limitations, such as
the variation in individual reactions, and discuss the implications of findings
regarding the efficacy of each plant.
RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

The researcher will use a test in this investigation. We will simply extract the
leaves of oregano, lemongrass, aloe vera and then spray the extract herbs into
container that is full of mosquitoes to see which herb is the most effective.

SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

This study will conduct an observation using the extract from the plants. We will
measure each plant extract and use it in a room that has a lot of mosquitoes, then
observe which of the plant extracts has the most repellency effects.

RESEARCH PROCEDURE

Necessary information will be gathered from related literatures and studies in

order to formulate problems and hypothesis. The researchers browsed on
different books, periodicals and journals and searched on different websites. 2.1
Preparation of Plant extract The researchers will conduct the study for 3 weeks.
They will collect leaves of Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Lemongrass
(Cymbopogon), and Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis miller) at Brgy. Sta.Lucia, Dolores
were the plants usually grow and commonly found in their community. The
researchers will buy a 95% solvent, specifically ethanol for the mixture. The
Oregano, Lemongrass, and Aloe Vera will be dried for 7-10 days in a shade. The
researchers will do the maceration method in extracting the leaves. The Oregano,
Lemongrass, and Aloe Vera's leaves will be grinded to attain a powdered
substance and will be extracted using the maceration method with a ratio of 1:3
ratio. The 250 grams from the extracted dried leaves of each plants will be mixed
with a 750 ml of the solvent, specifically 95% of ethanol and it will be left for 48
hours. The researchers will filtered it in a funnel. 2.2 Preparation of Mosquitoes
The mosquito larvae will be collected by cultivation. The researchers will be using
an unused and empty boxes. Natural water from the river in a 3 clear container
will be left inside the boxes for the mosquitoes to reproduce and hatch eggs, it is a
perfect environmental for them to breed. The clear container will be covered with
a mosquito net for mosquito breeding.

Prepare and collect leaves of oregano,lemongrass and aloe vera

Dry the leaves under the shade with a temperature of 27C-30C

Mix the Prepare
powdered substance
three to 95%
50ml spray of ethanol
bottles

Put the mixture in the 50ml spray bottles

Spray it to the containers with 10 alive mosquitoes

Wait for 24 hours and observe what will happen

STATISTICAL TREATMENT OF DATA

Number of dead mosquitoes

X100
Total number of tested mosquitoes
= Percent larval mortality (%)

P=n/f x100